Isopropyl alcohol vs ethanol: Which is better for cleaning?

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to sanitise and clean your home effectively? Or do you just want to take the extra step in cleaning so that you keep your family safe from illness? 

Isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are effective sanitisers recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of their guidelines as ‘the gold standard’ for hygiene and healthcare. Despite this, there is a bit of confusion about which of the two is better. 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at isopropyl alcohol vs ethanol, exploring the differences and similarities that make one of the two alcohols perfect for household cleaning needs!

What is an isopropyl alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol (also commonly known as rubbing alcohol) is used as a disinfectant and sanitising agent, from hospital settings down to the walls of your own home. It’s also a key ingredient in daily household essentials like hand sanitisers, lotions, and cleaning products.

What is ethanol?

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is another readily available sanitiser that can be found anywhere.

Like isopropyl alcohol, ethanol or ethyl alcohol is used by cleaners as a disinfectant for cleaning. It also has the nice quirk of being a natural by-product of yeast, making it an important component in drinking alcohol, strong spirits, and even fuel ethanol.

Ethanol vs isopropyl alcohol: How do they differ?

Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol have particular differences that set them apart quite significantly. However, a good question for anyone looking to sanitise their home is if the differences actually matter. 

Let’s now dive a little deeper into the science behind ethyl and isopropyl alcohol and discover if they’re more than just ingredients in a bottle of hand sanitiser.

In terms of chemical composition

As mentioned before, isopropyl alcohol has the chemical composition of C3H8OH, whereas ethanol is C2H5OH. Among the two alcohols, isopropyl has one more atom of Carbon and three more atoms of Hydrogen. Both, however, have a hydroxyl (OH) group, thus why we know them as ‘alcohols’. 

The boiling point of ethanol is 78°C while isopropyl alcohol boils at 82°C. The temperature difference isn’t much, but isopropyl is more easily combustible than ethanol.

In terms of their effectiveness in cleaning and disinfection

The critical indicators of ethyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol’s effectiveness in cleaning and disinfection are the variety of germs they can kill and how well they can do it. It is common to create aqueous solutions for cleaning with alcohol. Simply put, this is a water mixture using alcohol and pure water.

Isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are effective in disinfecting surfaces. As detailed in a medical study, both alcohols eliminated germs by more than 92% and prevented their regrowth. 

In another relevant study comparing ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, both were capable of sanitising hard surfaces after COVID — an important feature after recent events. However, the study stresses the importance of an alcohol concentration of 62 to 80%.

Ultimately, ethanol edges out isopropyl alcohol in effectiveness. According to the WHO, ethyl alcohol or ethanol at 70% concentration is more effective than isopropyl alcohol as it can kill a broader range of viruses, bacteria, and other germs.

In terms of cleaning application

Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are good cleaning agents and can even disinfect many areas in your home, such as granite or quartz worktops and metallic or chrome surfaces.

Careful cleaning using ethanol or isopropyl alcohol can also work on:

• Glass
• Mirrors
• Metallic doorknobs and handles
• Stainless steel
• Floors
• Car interiors
• Surfaces of electronics (phones, laptops)
• Jewellery
• Kitchen fixtures (for degreasing)

However, both types are known to harden, crack, and stiffen rubber products. They may also crack and discolour certain types of plastic, with isopropyl having a stronger effect.

Refrain from using alcohol to clean painted surfaces. Also, avoid cleaning varnished wood, such as furniture or kitchen fixtures, as this will strip the varnish, bleach the wood, and ultimately leave unevenly coloured spots.

In terms of safety and toxicity

As mentioned earlier, isopropyl alcohol has a higher boiling temperature than ethanol. But both are highly flammable and should not be used or placed near a fire. Avoid leaving either of the alcohols in places where high temperatures can accumulate, such as in a car. Also, refrain from leaving isopropyl and ethyl alcohols in direct sunlight.

As for your skin health, a study discovered that ethanol is more tolerated by the skin with repeated use. Isopropyl alcohol may lead to damaged and cracked skin with prolonged use.

Despite being a component of drinking spirits, the amount of ethanol in cleaning products can be hazardous to your health. On the other hand, human consumption of isopropyl alcohol is fatal, even in small amounts.

In terms of purity

Isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are effective at killing various microbes, including the coronavirus. However, as mentioned, both alcohols must be in concentrations or purity of at least 62 to 80%. 

A key takeaway is that the WHO recommends ethanol at 70% concentration more than isopropyl alcohol for sanitising germs thanks to its wide germicidal ability.

Some cases do exist where isopropyl alcohol is more potent, but those are for more specialised situations.

In terms of solvency

Both alcohol types are organic solvents, but isopropyl alcohol is less polar due to its chemical composition. This makes it more effective in cleaning electronics and dissolving oils and adhesives. 

Meanwhile, ethanol is considered one of the best organic solvents and has higher polarity. It does retain water, which is dangerous for electronics. A higher concentration of lab-grade ethanol would be needed for cleaning electronics, but it would be more expensive than regular isopropyl alcohol.

Get expert cleaning and disinfection with Airtasker

While ethyl alcohol or ethanol may be a better sanitiser to defend your family from germs, knowing the uses of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol for your home can be baffling. And we surely don’t want to risk ruining that pricey wooden table or that one touchy TV in the room. 

Instead, why don’t you try out Airtasker? Find someone skilled and knowledgeable to determine which alcohol is more suitable for your needs and all the other bits needed to get your home spick and span!